Working together at the Creative Arts Center in Dallas. Students Sherri King (left)and Lori Whitlow (center) stand with Mosaic artist and instructor Sonia King.

Guest blogger Lydia Regalado is an arts educator and blogger who writes for Art&Seek about people who gather to make things.

School’s back in session, which means there are plenty of arts and craft classes and workshops for kids and adults alike around DFW. Housed in an old school, just off of Ferguson Road and I-30, the Creative Arts Center of Dallas, (CAC) has been offering classes and studio space for over 60 years. The CAC offers a positive and encouraging environment to discover and develop artistic expression. This is a great studio/school for any and all skill levels. But upon entry, one can tell that this is not just a school, but a gathering place in the community where creative types come together to share, inspire and learn side-by-side.

At the CAC there is a positive energy that welcomes visitors as they walk through the doors. The studios are buzzing with creative and helpful people, working together and independently on beautiful pieces. The people are great, but the greatest benefit that CAC offers are their facilities and studio spaces; the CAC has equipment to support classes in figurative sculpture, ceramics, painting, drawing, fused glass, mosaics, metal and stone sculpture, jewelry, printmaking and photography. Each class and workshop is taught by practicing artists in the community. CAC also has open lab hours, so it’s possible to use the equipment outside of class-time.Over 60 classes and workshops are offered per session, and their Fall session has just begun. The doors are always open for visitors, but after your tour, perhaps you’ll choose to become a member and take advantage of the discount and operations offered here. I have and it’s been great every time!

Next Up: Silk-Knotting with Pearls

Tucked away in Lakewood, Splendor in the Grass is one of many beading boutiques here in Dallas that sells beautiful strands of semi-precious beads, and for the budding beading enthusiast, they also offer classes. I have a necklace that needs to be re-strung, so next Thursday I’ll be taking advantage of their Silk-Knotting with Pearls class. It’s only $35; far less than what I could pay someone else to string them for me and the priceless knowledge that I will gain! Click here for their schedule of classes.

See you there!